Navratri Day 4 of Maa Kushmanda: Origin story, Pooja, Rituals and Significance
By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Astrological significance, Chakra, Story, Colour, Aarti, Mantras and Miraculous Benefits of Maa Kushmanda
Table of Contents
Maa Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri as the fourth manifestation of Nava Durga. Her light and brilliance illuminate the cosmic void and nurture creation itself. With her grace, she motivates us to seek wisdom, dedicate ourselves to sacred actions and transform every act into worship. Maa Kushmanda is the illuminated goddess of purification, guiding us toward inner harmony, satisfaction and continuous spiritual growth.
Click here to see why Navratri will be celebrated for 10 days instead of 9 this year!
The Significance of Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda radiates her light in all ten directions. She represents the power of creationJagatprasutyē, mother of the universe. Her form is radiant, golden and she is depicted with eight arms seated on a ferocious tiger. In her hands she holds: Kamandala, Lotus, Rudraksha mala, Bow, Arrow, Chakra, Mace and a Jar of eternal Nectar. Seated in the blazing heart of the Sun (Surya Mandala), she dispels the darkness of ignorance with her dazzling smile.
Main Attributes Table
| Attribute | Symbolism | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Eight arms | Creative force, completeness | Mastery of every aspect |
| Tiger mount | Fearlessness, power | Victory over negativity |
| Kamandala & mala | Purity, devotion | Spiritual focus and surrender |
| Lotus | Peace and prosperity | Blessings of harmony |
| Chakra/Mace | Protection, removal of obstacles | Spiritual and worldly health |
| Nectar | Immortal bliss, healing | Wellness, satisfaction |
The Origin Story and Cosmic Creation
When only darkness prevailed, Maa Kushmanda smiled and light emergedshe is the source of all energy. From her creative force, the universe was birthed. She created three Mahashaktis:
- Mahakali (from her left eye)fearsome, black and creator of Shiva and Saraswati.
- Mahalakshmi (from her right eye)luminous, fierce, creator of Vishnu and Shakti.
- Mahasaraswati (from her middle eye)gentle, fair, creator of Brahma and Lakshmi.
Together, these powers formed divine pairs: Shiva-Shakti, Vishnu-Lakshmi, Brahma-Saraswati.
Astrology: Mercury’s Influence & Cosmic Energy
On the fourth day, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, Adi-Shaktithe supreme originatorwho governs intellect, speech, beauty and business success. She is especially helpful to anyone with Mercury challenges in their horoscope, enhancing intelligence, concentration, eloquence, skin health and attracting financial growth.
Astrology Table
| Domain | Ruled by Mercury | Maa Kushmanda’s Blessing |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence, focus | Intellect, wisdom | Sharpened mind, clarity |
| Speech, communication | Expression | Persuasive speech, confidence |
| Health, beauty | Skin, fragrance | Glow, attractiveness |
| Success in business | Finance, trade | Prosperity and growth |
Read about the Day 5 of Navratri and Maa Skandamata here.
The Benefits of Worshiping Maa Kushmanda
- Heals and dispels illnesses
- Nourishes devotees, grants abundance, power and wellness
- Grants robust health and vitality for life
- Enhances Ojas (vital energy), delays aging and extends longevity
- Brings brightness, clarity and peace
Ma Kushmanda and Kundalini
Maa Kushmanda is symbolically represented by the pumpkin gourd, a sign of nourishment and vitality. She presides over the Anahata (Heart) Chakra, bringing material and spiritual abundance to her devotees. On Navratri day four, meditate upon her in the heart center to receive her highest blessings.
Chakra Table
| Chakra | Significance | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Anahata (Heart) | Love, compassion, energy | Emotional and spiritual bliss |
| Pumpkin gourd | Nourishment | Vitality, natural healing |
Tantric Invocation and Saptashati Reference
Ancient Tantras describe Maa Kushmanda’s fierce aspect in the "kalī karālā vadanā vinikṣkrāntāsṛgāsṛig" verse:
She annihilates the demon Raktabija by consuming each drop of his replicating blood. Her invocation guides devotees away from the cycles of desire and into spiritual fulfillment.
Devotional Verses, Mantras & Invocation
- Om Devi Kushmandayai Namaha
- Jaganmatruke Pahimam!
- Om Namashchandikaye!
Chanting these mantras with surrender draws devotees out of frustration and into blissful clarity.
Rituals and Worship Practices for Day 4
- Offer yellow flowers and jasmine to Maa Kushmanda
- Prepare Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, sugar, saffron) as sacred prasad
- Present dry fruits: cashews, almonds, raisins
- Donate to those in needcharity attracts the goddess’s favor
- Visit a temple or create a simple altar at home with ornaments and adornments
Ritual Table
| Offering | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Milk or milk sweets | Nurture, healing, purity |
| Panchamrit | Sacred nourishment and sweetness |
| Yellow flowers and dry fruits | Prosperity, well-being |
| Charity to needy | Attract blessings, grace |
Symbolic Meaning: Why Is She Called Kushmanda?
The name "Kushmanda" means "cosmic egg"the womb that gives birth to the universe as radiant spiritual light. She dispels all darkness and is depicted in a round, luminous form, sometimes holding Kush grass and flowers.
What We Learn from Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda teaches us to bring light into the void, transform hardship into harmony and treat every act as sacred. Her grace brings physical and spiritual abundance, balance and continuous purification.
FAQs: Day 4 of Navratri & Maa Kushmanda
Which chakra does Maa Kushmanda govern?
Maa Kushmanda governs the Anahata (Heart) Chakra which symbolizes love and emotional stability. People wanting to solve emotion related problems like anxiety or depression should worship Maa Kushmanda.
What planet is useful to focus on for blessing today?
Mercury is important for pooja and blessings on Day 4 of Navratri. Mercury planet pooja grants intelligence, speech, business skills and health.
Which color and offerings are auspicious for the day?
Yellow is the auspicious colour for Day 4. People wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers, dry fruits, Panchamrit and milk sweets.
What is the mantra for Maa Kushmanda?
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namaha, Jaganmatruke Pahimam, Om Namashchandikaye.
What are the benefits of worshipping Maa Kushmanda?
Healing, clarity, longevity, successful endeavors, deep spiritual fulfillment.
How is Maa Kushmanda related to Maa Durga?
Maa Kushmanda is an avatar of Maa Durga, her fourth divine form which is worshipped on the 4th day of Navratri.
Want to know the auspicious muhurat on each day of Navratri?
Check daily timings in Panchang
